Apparatus for curving- printing-plates



L. W. CLAYBOURN.

APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9. 191?.

1,318,968. Patented Oct. 14,1919.

77 5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

A 44 KWJ v L. w. CLAYBOURN. APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9. 1917.

1,318,968. Patented 0ct.14,1919.

5 SHEETSSHEET 2- ff J9 L. W. CLAYBOURN.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9. I917- Patented Oct. 14,1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

' 3 g J4 61: 71 (9 2 W 9/ 7/ 60 if 60 9 g 50 4 I J J2 1 T; 2 I 3 W00 3 f3 0 lp 6 5 I 55 i] d V 7 7/ M 222 essay:

L. W. CLAYBOURN.

APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILEDMAR. 97 1917.

1,3 18,968. Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

5 SHEETSSHEET 4.

L. W. CLAYBOURN.

APPARATUS FOR CURVING PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9.1917.

Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET-5- [*1 m afar;

lll lll n n UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LESLIE CLAY-BOURN, OF CINCINNATL'OHIO. 1

APPARATUS FOR (lURVING PRINTING-PLATES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March-9, 1917. Serial No. 153,731.

curving printing plates, and is especially useful for curving printing plates employed in multi-color printing, in which a plurality of plates are employed for printing difierent colors,'the impressions of which are intended to register with each other, and is also applicable in other relations where maintenance of relations of printing lines during curving of the printing plate is to be efiected, or in which the spacings between printing lines of the printing plate, when curved, shall be the same as the spacings between said printing lines when said plate was in the flat. The inventlon consists 1n provlding means for curving the printing plate, so that its printing size will be maintained; andfurthen in providing means for curving the printing surface and its backing, so that distortion of the printing lines for printing purposes is avoided.

The invention consists furtherin providing means for heating the elements of the printing plate and bending the same while heated with the ends thereof held against separating movement, whereby rearrange- -ment of the material composin the backing of' the printing plate is efl'ecte and distortion of the printing lines is avoided; further in providing means for applying pressure to the curved printing plate; further,

in providing means for applying said pressure as a progressively acting pressure along the line of curvature of the plate; and, further, mprovlding means for applying said .progre$ively acting pressure reciprocatingly. a The invention consists further in providing cooling means for the printin plate during pressure application thereon; urther, in providing means for curving the plate compmsmg a flexible band and mold-sections connected with the respective-ends ofsaid bands, said mold-sections movable toward each other for wrapping said flexible band about said mold sectiops withv the printing plate being curved between the flexible band and the mold-sections; further,

in providing means whereby the flexible band and mold-sections with the curved,

Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

periphery of the sector of a. v

claims, and from the drawings, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an exemplified machine embodying the invention, showing the mold-sections in actuated relation in full lines for curving the printin plate, and in separated relation in dotte lines.

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the same, showing the mold-sections in actuated relation.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the same, with the mold-sections in separated relation, and showing the printing plate about to be curved.

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of my improved device, partly broken away.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the device taken on the line 55 of F'i 1, artly broken away, with the gage an presser devices in raised relations. r

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of thesame on the same section line, partly broken away, with the mold-sections open, and the gage and presser devices in active relation.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal vertical section of the exemplified device, partly broken away, showing the plate bent about the form and one end of the flexi'ble band released from the mold, and shown-partlylaid hack.

Fig. 8. is a plan view of a printing plate plate being provided with longitudinal de-' pressions.

Fig. 11 represents a central vertical longitudinal section ofthe device, taken on the line ll-"ll 9? Fig. 3, partly broken away,

r be bent.

Fig. 12 is a similar view, showing the mold-sections rolled part way toward each other and equally contacting the respective ends of the printing plate.

Fig. 13 is a central longitudinal section of the bent plate as the same is received off the bending-mold, the backing of the plate being provided with cross-ribs.

Fig. 14 is a similar view of the printing plate when trimmed.

Fig. 15 is a cross-section of the bent plate whose backing is provided with longitudinal ribs.

Neither the method of forming the printing plate herein shown and described, nor the printing plate formed by the improved device or the method is herein claimed, the method and printing plate being shown, described and claimed in copending applications, respectively Serial Nos. 145,881 and 153,732, respectively filed February 1, 1917, and March 9, 1917 The heating means herein shown and described are not herein independently claimed, the said heating means being shown, described and claimed ina copending application Serial No. 153,7 33 filed March 9, 1917.

The printing plate to be curved is exemplified as one which is first formed flat and is shown at 21. I It is provided with a printing surface 22. It may comprise a printing shell 23 and a backing 24, rigidly connected. Its margins are preferably provided with bearers 25, 26, separated from theprinting surface by grooves 27 28, the bearers 25, being exemplified as at the ends of the printing plate, representing its top and bottom when secured to the plate-cylinder in the printing press, the bearers 26 being exemplified as the side bearers. The bearers are useful for receiving the edge thrusts and the margin portions of the surface contacts in the curving of the printing plate for protecting the printing surface.

If desired, the rear face of the backing of printing plate may be provided with recurrent depressions 29, exemplified in Figs. 13 and 14 as grooves, forming ribs extending crosswise of the curvature of the printing plate, and in Figs. 10 and 1-5-as'grooves forming ribs extending lengthwise of the curvature of the printing plate.

The printing shell is, in practice,'formed bf electrodeposited metal, usually, copper, deposited on the matrix in electroplatlng, and the backing is preferably of a inaterial having a lower fusing point than the fusing point of th printing shell, poured upon the printing shell and intimately connected therewith. The printing plate elements are subjected to heat to render the backing readily flowable under pressure with relation to ,transmitted to the prmti 0 the printing shell. The mechanism is however adapted to form printing plates constructed in other manner, as by stereotyping, or other methods.

The printing plate elements are subjected to heat of such degree and throughout such period of time as will effect a spongy condition of thebacln'ng material, that is, a heat condition in the backing material which i near its point of fusion, and the means provided for heating the printing plate elements are admirably adapted for such purposes and" for providing such temperature uniformly throughout the area of the printing plate. The effect produced upon the printing plate in the operation of the device is more fully shown, described and claimed in the aforesaid, application Serial No. 146,881, to which reference is respectfully made forfurther exposition of the same.

Referring 'to the drawings, 31 represents a table arrangedto be heated uniformly throughout, as by partially immersing the same in a bath 32, in a melting pot 33, suitable means being provided for heating the pot, shown as gas-burners 34, formed for instance of perforated pipes under the pot, fed from a suitable source of supply, and controlled by valves 35, discharging into gas and air mixers 36, for, regulating the temperature applied to the melting pot.

The table is exemplified as supported in i the pot on suitable blocks 37 suitablysecured with relation to the frame of the machine, for positioning the table.

The bath 32 is preferably of a material which, when cold, is a solid, and having a fusing point somewhat similar-to the fusing point of the backing material of the printing plate, and is rendered fluid by the heat to which the melting ot is subjected.

This bath may be exemp ified as a mixture of lead, tin and antimony, in the proportion If desired the bath may be a different mixture or composition, dependent on the composition of the backing materiahwhich latter may for instance be gutta percha, or

'other material which is a solidwhen of atmospheric temperature and is rendered fluid by heat.

The fusing point of the backing. material is less than that of the printing shell.. The e 1. printing shell may be instanced as of copper,

whose fusing point is approximately 1900' degrees Fahrenheit. i

'In'the present exemplific'ation, the heat is plate through the table .31 and a fiexibl and 4 1 here1n-,

after descrioed, which may, for example,

be a band of cold rolled steel, and'a cush may be a sheet of paper. I The printing plate is laid upside down upon the flexible band the printing surface being presented to the cushioning layer, when said cushioning layer is employed. i

The frame of the machine is shown at 43 and comprises a pedestal 44. The frame is shown as including the melting pot.

It is the intention to curve the printing plate on a-sector of a cylinder to conform to the usual plate cylinders to which curved printing plates are arranged to be attached by suitable well-known locking means.

In the present exemplification, -a pluripart mold is employed, about which the printing plate is curved, the printing plate being located between the flexible band 41 and said mold while subjecting the same to the bending or curving operation. The mold-sections are exemplified at 46, 47.

The ends of the band are articulated by hinges 49, 50, to opposite ones of the mold- .sections, at least one of the hinges being releasable. as by releasing the'pintles 51 from the straps of the hinges respectively on the mold-sections and flexible band. The moldsections are provided with arc faces 52,

which, when the mold-sections are brought together, are continuations of one another for forming a composite mold having a bending face formed as a sector of the cylinder having a radius approximately the length of the radius of the plate-cylinder to which the printin plate is arranged to be secured, prefera ly ma ing allowance for enabling a slight finishing cut to be taken off of the rear face of the backing of the printing plate.

The curving of the printing plate is e f fected progressively along theourvature in lines parallel with the axis of the curvature equi-distantly from the median lineof the plate parallel with said axis. Excess pressure upon the plate perpendicular to its printing surface is also preferably avoided.

In the exemplification, these objects are accomplished by "providing the mold-see ;tions with gear-segments 54 at the respective ends of the mold-sections, which segments mesh with toothed racks 56'on the machine frame, so that when .the mold-sections are moved toward and from'one an-. other their parallel sm is maintained. This construction also insures that the distance -'between the hinges 49, 50, is maintained.

Proper relative movement between the flexible band and the mold-sections withrela- 1 the flexible band and the arc faces of the Rests 62 are provided on the frame, uponwhich themold-sections rest when in separated relations or when moved to the limit of'one of their directions of movement.

In order to maintain the mold-sections in proper relative positions when connected, pins 64 on the respective mold-sections arearranged to be received in holes 66 on the opposite mold-section. A latch 68 on one of the mold-sections is arranged to-be received by a catch 69 on the other mold-section for holding the mold-sections in connected relation when brought together.

Theprinting plate elements are preferably subjected to pressure during applica-v tion of heat, and means are provided to bear the plate upon the heat-transmitting part in orderto insure uniform distribution of heat throughout the printing elements. Means for'accomplishing this are exemplified as comprising presser-feet 70 adjustable on bearings 71 lengthwise of arms 72 and held in adjusted positio'ns'by set-screws 73. The arms are shiftable on their bearings 74 lengthwise of a rod..7 5 supported in brackets.

76 extending from the frame of the machine.

The arms and presser-feet are so positioned as to rest upon the rear faces of the printing plate opposite the bearers 25, 26, when pressingthe latter. The arms are held in down position by means of latches 77 arranged to engage a holding-bar 7 8 on the frame.

When a plateof large area is o erated I on it is advisable to provide' ad itional presser elements acting upon the backing within the lines of the bearers 25, 26. Such additional presser elements are preferably of greater area than the presser-feet 70 in order to contact a greater area of the-backing of the printingplate elements to limit indentation by the same when the backing is in heated condition. These latter presser means may, for' in stance, be presser shoes 80'onbearings 81 adjustable on an arm 82 and held in adjusted positions on the arm by set-screws. 83, the arm being adjustable on its bearing 84 lengthwise of the rod 7 5' and provided with a latch 87 coacting;w'ith the holding-bar 78.

Uniform transmission of heat through the table and fiexible band to'the printing pla te elements is thus insured. When the print.

ing plate elements are in proper heated condition, the latches 77, 87, are released and the arms 72, 82, moved out of range of the mold-sections prior to operation of the moldsections for curving the plate, as by swinging the same upwardly from the plate upon their bearings 74, 84. The arms 72, 82, may be counter-weighted on the rod 75 by means of counterweights 79, 89.

The printing plate is desirably so positioned with relation to the bending elements that contact between the bending elements and the respective edges of the printing plate will be simultaneously effected along lines parallel to the axis of curvature of the printing plate when curved which axis is either parallel with or perpendicular to the upright position of the printing lines indicated at 88, on the printing plate, so that when the curved printing plate is arrangedupon the plate-cylinder of the printing press, the printing face will be upright upon the printed sheet. For accomplishing this the said edges, representing the top and hot tom edges 85 of the printing plate have been trimmed parallel with each other and with tions and in the middle of the'table, gages' 91 are provided, the gages being adjustable lengthwise on arms 92 and held in adjusted positions by set-screws 93, the arms 92 being adjustable laterally, and swingable on their bearings 94 on the rod 75 to move them out of range of the mold-sections during the bending operation. The arms are counterweighted by counterweights 99 for raising the same, and with latches 97 for coacting with the bar 78 for holding the same in down position.

The arms 92 are arranged to be depressed by means of a handle 95 and are operable independently of the arms 72, 82.

In positioning the plate, the plate is laid face down on the band, and the arms 92 brought downwardly and latched so as to place the gages 91 above the band. The side edge of the plate is then guided against the gages, whereby the axis of the plate, when curved, is brought into parallelism with the axes of the mold-sections. The back of the plate is provided with a.mark 96 which 00- incides with the median line of the plate. The band is provided with a centering mark 98 with which the mark 96 is brought into registry. I

The plate is positioned as stated, whereupon the presser means described are brought to bear upon the plate. Thereupon the gages 91 are raised by releasing the latches 97. The plate is subjected to the movement, that equal end pressure or contact will be made simultaneously with both ends of the plate being bent, (see Fig. 12,) the curving action taking place in lines parallel to the median line of the plate, so that the printing lines will be in correct relation with the curvature of the plate.

When rolling over the mold-sections for bending the printing plate, the bendingband will have a tendency to remain fiat upon the supporting surface of the table and to bend on'the are of a circle as the ends of the mold-sections, to which the ends of the band are secured, are raised from the table, thereby forming a space 100 of uniform depth throughout the bearing surface of the mold between said bearing surface and the band, in which the printing plate being formed is located.

The first contact between the mold-sections and the printing plate, when bending the plate, is made preferably simultaneously with the opposite ends of the printing plate, as exemplified in Fig. 1 2, such contact with said ends pinching said ends between the mold-sections and the flexible band sufficiently to maintain the ends of the'plate at its printing surface against separation, forming limiting means for preventing separation between the ends of said plate, the movement of the mold-sections toward each other continuing until the flexible band and the printing plate thereon are curved about and upon the mold-sections, the inner faces of the mold-sections meeting and the moldsections being secured together-by the latch 68 for forming a unitary mold, for instance as exemplified in Fig. 1. This movement of the-mold-sections to curve the printing plate is preferably a uniform and a comparatively rapid movement. I

Upon the curving of the printing plate being accomplished, it is preferably subjected to pressure, accomplished by a roll'ing back and forth of the united mold-sections upon thetable, whereby the printing plate is rolled between the flexible band and the mold-sections to insure a uniform conform rolling.

Means are provided for subjecting the plate being formed to the action of a' cooling agency, exemplified as a body 101 of fluid, for instance, water, in each of the mold-sections, which are formed hollow for the purpose, the water being fed into the K mold-sections by inlet pipes 102 and received from the mold-sections by outlet pipes 103, these respective pipes communieating with flexible pipes 104, 105, of desirablelength and positioned to permit theproper rolling of the mold sections.

Valves 106 are employed to regulate the flow of the water and to regulate the temperature of the same in the mold sections.

In the present exemplification of the' method, the heated backing element is in compressible condition, being for instance spongy due to the heat application, that is, readily fiowable under pressure with relation to the printing shell. The printing shell-during the curving operation retains its dimensions, so that the printing surface of the completed curved printing plate is the same as the printing surface before the curving. The spacings between printing lines are maintained, so that a printed impression taken from the plate after being curved is the same as a printed impression taken from the printing surface when in the fiat, or differently-expressed, the printing surface of the curved plate laid out in plane is of the same dimensions as the printing surface when. flat. A stretching of the printing surface during curving is avoided. The material of the backing accommodates itself to the curvature, the 'molecules thereof undergoing rearrangement due to the character of the heating and curving action in the present exemplification, resulting in a curved printing plate in which the metal is not buckled or strained, so that the inner face of the curved printing plate lies snugly throughout its area against the periphery of the plate-cylinder, without hollow spots thereunder. c

Thus referring to Fig. 9 the ends of the "plate are perpendicular to the plane of its printing face. When the plate has been curved, these ends are radial to the sector of the cylinder formed by the plate. (See Figs. 7 and 13.)

The depressions 29 are exemplified as grooves forforming ribslll. They may the grooves 27, 28, between said bearers and A the printing surface.

The ends of the late are then provided with suitable attac ing' faces; as see thefaces 112, for securingthe plate to the platecylinder.

Having thus fully described myinvention,

what I claiin'as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is;

1. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of means including a mold composed of a plurality of sections having curved peripheries and arranged for contacting opposite ends of a plate to be curved, means whereby to revolvingly move. said sections toward one another and means for wrapping said printing plate about the mold='sections.

2. In an apparatus for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, and mold-sections having curved surfaces between which and said band the plate to be bent is arranged to be received, means whereby to revolvingly move said sections toward each (ither and connections between said flexible band. and said mold sections whereby the band is arranged to curve the printing plate about the mold-sections.

3. In an apparatus for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive a printing plate to be bent thereon, mold-sectlons having surfaces about whicha printing plate is capable of being vcurved and connections connecting said mold-sections and said band, there being a printing plate space between said band and mold-sections located between said connections, and said mold-sections arranged to be revolvingly move-d toward one another, whereby the band with the printing plate to be curved are bent about said mold-sections.

4. In an apparatus for curving printing plates, the combination of afiexib-le band arranged to receive a printing plate to be bent thereon, means for heating the printing plate, mold-sections having surfacesv about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, and connections connecting said mold-sections and said band, there being a printing plate space between said band and mold-sections located between said con nections, said mold-sections arranged to be revolvingly moved toward one another,

whereby the band with the printing plate to be bent are bent about said mold-sections,

' 5.'In an apparatus for bending printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive a printing plate to be bent thereon, means for heating the printing plate, mold-sections having surfaces about which a. printing plate is capable of being curved, connections connecting said moldsections and said band, there being a printing plate space between said band and moldsections located between said connectlons,

said mold-sections arranged to be moved mold-sections.

7. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereaboutbetween which and said band the printing late to be curved is received, means for heating said printing plate, and means whereby said mold-sections are revolvingly movable toward each other and said band is wrapped progressively from both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold sections.

8. Ina machine forcurving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band,

mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, means for heating said printing plate, means for applying pressure to said printing plate during the heating thereof, and means whereby toward each other and said band is wrapped said mold-sections are revolvinglyv movable toward each other and said band is wrapped progressively from both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold-sections.

9. 'In' a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received,'means for heating said printing plate, means whereby said mold-sections are revolvingly movable progressively from both sides of its middle toward its middleabout said mold-sections,

.and cooling means for said mold-sections.

10. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces capable 'of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, means acting. on said mold-sections and said flexible band whereby said mold-sections are revolvingly movable toward each other and said band is wrapped progressively from both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold-sections, and means for rolling said band and mold-sections 11. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible. band, mold-sections having surfaces capable of having a printing plate curved thereabout between which and said band the printing plate to be curved is received, means for heating said printing plate, means for applying pressure to said printing plate during the heating thereof, means whereby said mold-sections are rockingly movable toward each other to wrap said band progressively from' both sides of its middle toward its middle about said mold-sections and for rolling said band and mold-sections.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, I11Old SeCtl0I1S coactin with said band, a

support for said ban and bearing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and mold-sections, said mold-sections movable toward one another with a rolling motion.

13. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections coacting with said band, a

:support for said band, bearing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and mold-sections, said mold-sections movable toward one another with a rolling motion, and means for connecting'said mold-sections, said connected mold-sections rollable on said bearing means.

14. In anapparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexi'ble band, mold-sections coacting with said band, a support for said-.- band, bearing means ,for

said mold sections whereby a printing plate ments on said mold-sections, and coacting I constructed whereby mold-sections toward one another with a.

rolling motion and for bending said band and the printing plate between it and sald mold-sections about said mold-sections, and

means for connecting said mold-sections, and

constructed whereby to roll said connected mold-sections with said band and the printing plate between said mold-sections and the band on said table.

17. In an apparatus of thecharacter described, the combination of a plurality vof coacting mold-sections, a flexible band movable w1th said respective mold-sections, a table for said band, heating means acting on said table, bearing supports for said mold-sections, means for moving said moldsections toward one another with a rolling motion and for bending said band and the printing plate between it and said moldsections about said mold-sections, and means for connecting said mold-sections, and constructed whereby to roll said connected mold-sections with said band and the printing plate between said mold-sections and the band on said table.

, 18. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of coacting mold-sections, a flexible band movable with said respective mold-sections, a

table for said band, heating means acting on said table, bearing supports for said mold-sections, means for moving said moldsections toward one another with motion and for bending said band and the printing plate between it and said moldsections about said mold-sections, cooling means acting on said mold-sections, and means for connecting said mold-sections, and to roll said connected mold-sections with said band andthe printing plate between said mold-sections and the band on said table.

19. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections, means for connecting said band-to said respective mold-sections, a table for said band, bearing means for said moldsections whereby a printing platespace is formed-between said band and mold-sections,

means whereby to move said mold-sections said band on said table and said connected mold-sections on said bearing means.

a rolling.

ing plate, bearers at the sides of said whereby to roll 2-0. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections, means for connecting said band to said respective mold-sections, a table for said band, bearing means for said moldsections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and mold-sections, said mold-sections movabletoward one another with a rolling motion for'wrapping said band and'theprinting plate about said mold-sections, and for rolling said band on said table and said connected mold-sections on said bearing means, gears on said moldsections, and toothed racks cooperatingtherewith for maintaining said coniiecte'd mold-sections parallel throughout said rolling movements.

21. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections, means for connecting said band to said respective mold-sections, a table for said band, heating means for said table, bearing means for said mold-sections whereby a printing plate space is formed between said band and mold-sections, said mold-sections movable toward one another. with a rolling motion for wrapping said bandand the printing plate about said mold-sections, and for rolling said band onsaid table and said connected mold-sections on said bearing means, gears on said mold-sections, and toothed racks cooperating therewith for maintaining said connected moldsections parallel throughout said rolling movements.

22. In a machine of the character deble by said bearers.

23. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a heat transmit ting table arranged for supporting a printbearers at the sides of said table,

ing plate, heating means for said table, rollable plate said table by curving means supported over equalizing racks extending scribed, the combination of a table, bearers, heating means for-said table, and rollable plate curving means supported over said tating table arranged for supporting a; print table,- a melting pot in which said table is received, plate curving means supported through said bearers, and heating means for said melting pot. w v

25. In. a machine of the character described, the combination of a heat transmit- I ting table arranged forsupporting af'printing plate, movable means'jor pressing the printing plate toward said-table, bearers at the sldes of said table, a melting pot in which said table is received, rollable plate curving means supported through said bearers, and

. to be bent is arranged to be received, means whereby the sections of said mold are movable revolvingly toward each other whereby said band is arranged to bend the printing plate about said mold-sections, and a lock between said mold-sections.

27. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a flexible band, mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved between which and said band the printing plate to be bent is arranged to be received, means whereby the sections of said mold are movable with a rolling motion toward each other, whereby said band is arranged to bend the printing plate about said mold-sections, a lock between said mold-sections, a support for said band, and equalizing means for said mold-sections permitting rolling of said mold and band on said support and maintaining the position of the axis of said mold parallel during the rolling movement of said mold.

28. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of moldsections,

having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, a flexible band, means for causing said mold-sections and flexible band to move together, means whereby to move said mold-sections toward each other with a rolling motion with the printing plate between said flexible band and said mold-sections, and arranged to hold the ends "of the printing plate between said mold-sections and flexible band for limiting endwise separation between the ends of said printing plate and arranged for wrapping said flexible'band and said printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections y movement of said mold-sections toward each other. v

29. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of mold-sections having surfaces about which a printing plate is capable of being curved, a flexible and, means 'for causing said mold-sections and flexible band to move together, means whereby to move said mold-sections toward each other with a rolling motion with the printing plate between said flexible band and sald mold-sections, and arranged to hold the ends of the printing plate between said moldsections and flexible band and arranged for wrapping said flexible band for limiting endwise separation between the ends of said printing plate and said printing plate'to be curved about said mold-sections by move ment of said mold-sections toward each other, and cooling-means for said moldsections.

30. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged to receive the printing plateto be curved, normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band arranged for receiving a printing plate to be curved thereover, movable gaging means between said mold-sections for gaging the position of the printing plate to be curved with relation to said flexible band and separated mold-sections, and means for causing movement of said mold-sections toward each other in parallel lines for wrapping said flexible band and printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, and constructed whereby said movable gaging means and said mold-sections are arranged to act in sequence on the printing plate.

31. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band arranged for receiving a printing plate to be curved thereover, normally separated mold-sections coacting with said flexible band for curving the printing plate, heating means for heating said flexible band whereby said printing plate to be curved is heated, movable presser means arranged to extend between said mold-sections pressing said printing plate to be curved toward said flexible band, means whereby said presser means are moved free from the path of said moldsections, and means whereby said mold-sections are caused to approach each other in parallel lines for wrapping said flexible band and the printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, and constructed whereby said movable presser means and said mold-sections are arranged to act in sequence on the printing plate.

32. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of a flexible band,

normally separated mold-sections with which said flexible band has connections, said flexible band provided with a gaging mark whereby to gage the position of theprinting plate to be curved equidistantly from said mold-sections, movable gaging means for positioning the printing plate to be curved parallel with said mold-sections,

means whereby said last-named gagingi means are moved free of the path of said mold-sections, and means for causing parallel movement of said mold-sections toward each other for wrapping said flexible band and the printing plate to be curved about said mold-sections, and constructed whereby said movable gaging means and said moldsections are arranged to act in sequence on the printing plate.

, 33. In a machine for curving'printing plates, the combination of a flexible band, normally separated mold-sections, means for heating said flexible band, said flexible band provided with a gaging mark whereby to gage the position of the printing plate to be curved equidistantly from said mold-sections, movable gagin means for positioning the printing plate to e curved parallel with said mold-sections, means whereby said lastnamed gaging means are free of the path of said mold-sections, presser means between sald mold-sectlons causmg pressure on said prlnting plate to be curved toward sald flexible band, means for causing movement of said presser means free of the path of said ,mold-sections, and means for causing partween said separated mold-sections relatively to said mold-sections mounted for being removably received in said space.

35. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of normally separated mold-sections, separated for the reception of the printing plate to be curved, a

table, a heater for said table whereby said printing plate is heated, "and movable adjustable presser means for said printing plate removably received in the space between said separated mold-sections, said mold-sections arranged for relative approach for curving the printing plate, and

constructed whereby said movable adjustable presser means and said mold-sections are arranged to act in sequence on the printing plate.

36. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of normally separated mold-sections, separated for the reception of the printing plate to be curved, pivoted arms, gages for the printing plate adjustable lengthwise of said arms, means for releasably securing said arms in the space between said separated mold-sections, and means for automatically swinging said arms on their pivots into inactive relation upon release of said securing means.

37. In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of normally sepa rated mold-sections, separated for the reception of the printing plate to be curved, pivoted arms, pressers for the printing plate adjustable lengthwise of said arms, means for releasably securing said arms in the space between said separated mold-sections, and means for automatically swinging said arms on their pivots into inactive relation upon release of said securing means.

38. 'In a machine for curving printing plates, the combination of normally separated mold-sections, separated for the reception of the printing plate to be curved, pivoted arms arranged to be received in the space between said separated mold-sections, latches for securing said arms in said space, gages and pressers for the printing plate respectively adjustable on said respective arms, latches of which arms are separately releasable, and means for automatically swinging said arms out of said space upon release of said respective latches.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two. subscribing witnesses.

LESLIE w; oLAYBoURN.

Witnesses:

ANNA M. RADTKE, LAWRENCE J. WADE. 

